Although dry cleaning is a part of most of many people's weekly routine, the dry cleaning process itself is often not given much thought. Now that more people are becoming concerned about how the solvents may be impacting families as well as local air and water, this has started to change. Many dry cleaners- including Red Hanger- have been moving towards a more environmentally friendly dry cleaning processes from start to finish. You simply deliver your dirty clothes (or we pick them up) and then they're returned clean! As our awareness of how chemicals affect the environment grows. However, more customers are asking what kind of solvents are used and what impact they may be having. The truth is that in the early days of modern dry cleaning, many companies used non-eco-friendly chemicals. Environmental impact simply was not a priority.
How Does Dry Cleaning Actually Work?
To begin with, dry cleaning is not actually "dry," it just uses solvents other than water to carefully clean water-sensitive materials like wool, silk, or fabric with certain types of dyes. For these special cases, the main solvent used for dry cleaning has usually been a petroleum-based chemical. For a long time, many dry cleaning companies used a solvent called perchloroethylene. The clothing became cleaned with this agent and then the solvent became extracted to then reuse.
Lately, there have been concerns regarding the use of strong chemicals like perchloroethylene. This is because of the potential health and environmental risks that may have undergone involvement.
How Can Dry Cleaning Be Environmentally Friendly?
Luckily, there is a strong shift in the industry toward green dry cleaning, something that Red Hanger feels proud to participate in to protect the health of Wasatch Front families and our environment alike. With green dry cleaning many of the wasteful steps can become eliminated.
Contact Red Hanger!
First, cleaners are opting for a completely digitized system to track clothing. This new technology eliminates the need for tags, paper, or pins.
Dry cleaners are also opting for cleaner dry cleaning solvents that are made from earth friendly solutions. Further, energy efficient machines are taking the place of outdated and heavy energy consuming machinery. With green dry cleaning, every effort uses recycled materials. This means everything from the plastic bag that protects the clean clothing to the hangers are 100% recycled.
As a family-run business, Red Hanger Cleaners is always dedicated to reducing waste and using clean solvents to protect the health of both families and our environment for future generations. If you're ready for clean clothes, convenience, and peace of mind, contact us today! Also, feel free to take a look at our published blog post to learn more about how dry cleaning services save you time and money!
A suit or tuxedo really comes together with a tie or a bow tie, especially if the tie is made of high quality fabric. Adding a tie can give a suit an entirely different look based on the color and texture of the fabric chosen. So what happens if you spill something on your tie like food or juice? Is it something that you can clean at home? Below, we will take a closer look at while it is best to dry clean ties.
So... Is it okay to clean my tie?
Absolutely, and honestly, dry cleaning is the best option for removing any stains. If the suit tie or bow tie is high quality it is probably made of fabrics and materials that do not respond well to water. Fabrics, such as silk, should always be dry cleaned. When water is used to clean silk the fabric has a tendency to stretch and shrink. Additionally, water can cause certain dyes that are used in silk garments to run or discolor resulting in a damaged suit tie.
How is Dry Cleaning different?
Unlike a traditional washing machine at home that uses water, dry cleaning does not use water as the main solvent. Instead, a petroleum based chemical is used in the process. This is because several materials respond better to the chemical. When a tie is dry cleaned the solvent is applied to clean the tie.
Once the tie is cleaned the solvent is extracted to be used again on other materials.The tie is dried and pressed pressed and ready for the customer to take home. The cleaning process is more gentle and will keep your high quality suit ties looking sharp.
I have a stain, what should I do?
The first thing is to check the manufacture's tag on the tie. If the tie is a dry clean only item it is best to take the tie to a professional dry cleaner to attend to the stain. In the immediate time frame be sure to blot the stain to remove any excess liquid from the tie. It is important to always blot with a clean, white towel or napkin. Blotting will contain the stain whereas wiping or rubbing can cause the stain to spread or move deeper into the fabric. Be sure to use a white towel to prevent any colors from spreading from the towel to the tie. The most important factor for removing a stain from delicate materials is time. Make sure to get your tie to be dry cleaned as quickly as possible. The less time the stain has to sit on the tie the better the chance of successfully removing the stain.
Stained tie? Confusion over tags? Contact Red Hanger and we'd be happy to help out! Don't forget, we offer FREE scheduled pickup and drop off services! And, be sure to check out our blog post "Top 3 Tips For Buying Business Clothing" to learn more about what pairs perfectly with a tie.
After Labor Day weekend, many workplaces (and after-work events) bid farewell to the relaxed dress codes of summer. Many of us are preparing to change out our summer and winter wardrobes. So, it’s a great time to brush up on a different type of dress code. These days, there is a whole spectrum of dress type on invitations or job offers. And, it can get confusing!
White tie Vs. Black tie Dress Code
“White tie” invitations are fairly rare these days, but indicate the highest level of formality. Perhaps, a fundraiser gala, an exclusive wedding, or other VIP event. Women should be in formal, floor-length gowns with gloves and hair in an elegant updo. Jewelry should be minimal and tasteful. Men should have a black suit with a tailcoat, waistcoat, white pocket square, and a bow tie. White tie suits will have a satin stripe down the side. Perhaps most obscurely, white tie formality says you should ditch your wristwatch, no matter how nice it is. This level of dress also used to include a top hat, white gloves, and chained pocket watch. But fortunately, these days you can do without these accessories. Just keep your (silenced) phone politely tucked away if you need to check the time!
“Black tie” is probably the most commonly used (and therefore most familiar) level of “formal” wear. That is, a classic black tuxedo with a cummerbund or vest and black bowtie with cufflinks. We always recommend treating tuxedos and business suits as investments. If well taken care of, an expensive, well-made suit can last you a lifetime. Get the most out of your investment by taking advantage of the custom tailoring options available at most high-end retailers, or use our professional tailor services to keep you looking your best. Custom fitting does wonders; trust us! “Black tie optional” means wear the most formal suit you own, but you don’t need to wear bowtie; a vest, pressed dress shirt and solid-colored tie will do. For women, a floor-length gown remains the classic standard, but you can ditch the gloves and wear your hair down or partially down, as long as it’s carefully styled.
Formal and Semi-Formal Dress Code
For men, “formal” stands below “black tie optional." But, you don’t need the vest or cufflinks; just a well pressed shirt and conservative tie. At this stage, it’s also appropriate to wear colors other than black or navy blue. For ladies, a floor-length dress can still be appropriate. But, you could also opt for a calf- or knee-length dress (with stockings or hose) if desired. You can also try statement jewelry combined with a classic well-fitting black dress. Also, be sure to take a look at our blog post "Can I Dry Clean My Tie?" to learn more about caring for your ties.
“Semi- formal” can be vexing! We recommend sticking with formal rules but you can play around more with colors or patterns on suits. Also, dress shirts to let your personality show. Semi-formal still means a suit or well-fit dress. It’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed.
Business Casual, Dressy Casual, And Cocktail Dress Code
If you are instructed to wear “business casual”, think 9-5 office wear. At this point, it’s best to think about the tone of the event. And, dress accordingly. There’s a difference between a consulting meeting or a garden party. Men can wear suits in any color, or regular (but well-pressed) trousers, a dress shirt, and a blazer. At this point the more sartorially-daring might be able to get away with loafers or bright socks with a matching pocket square. Women should consider wearing either a knee-length or lower dress, blouse/skirt, or blouse/pant/blazer combination. Here, you can start wearing trendier cuts of dresses with asymmetrical hems or tasteful cutouts. “Dressy-casual” can be similarly confusing as “Semi-formal.” Again, it’s important to consider the context of the event and what you expect the host to be wearing.
Dressy-casual and cocktail are essentially similar in direction: this dress code leaves room for dark-wash jeans, a dress shirt, and a blazer, or shorter/brighter dresses for women with statement jewelry.
Hopefully, this little guide will help you take out some of the “what to wear” anxiety out of the confusing mix of directives for office events. Or, holiday parties and gala season. Yes, Red Hanger is a dry-cleaning company that has been helping the Wasatch Front look sharp for over 40 years. The professionals at Red Hanger know a thing or two about clothing care, storage, repair, and more! Also, be sure to take a look at our blog post "Top 3 Tips For Buying Business Clothing" to learn ore in depth about purchasing the best business attire. Remember, if you’ve got a wardrobe classic that needs some sprucing up for the new season, we have affordable professional tailors available along with our dry cleaning and free laundry pickup services! Contact us today or stop by one of our convenient locations for more information.
